“ I don ’ t have time to get involved .”
By Tony Sousa Vice President of Operations | RPM Living
A statement you hear from many in our industry . “ I don ’ t have time to get involved , I ’ m too busy .” That may be the problem .
Like many , I too wasn ’ t sure my participation in the local apartment association was worth my time . Many told me , it ’ s the same old thing with the same old people . But even if that was true , something in my head told me – it ’ s not just about me , it ’ s about giving back to my city , association and my peers that supported me . So , I gave it a try - I joined a committee .
What ’ s the worst thing that could happen I thought , it ’ d be boring ? It ’ d be cliquey ? It ’ d be a waste of time ? Sure . But as I began to genuinely get involved , show up for committee meetings , participate with fresh ideas and met new people , I quickly realized the impact and the importance of the association . It wasn ’ t about just me – it was about our city , our industry , our community . Over time , I began earning the trust of my peers and local leaders , as I selflessly gave of my time , energy and ideas . I began to build trusted relationships with caring and experienced people . I began to see how important those relationships would later come , almost invaluable .
Within a year , I was asked to be a part of the San Antonio Apartment Association ’ s Leader Lyceum program . There is where I learned what the Board of Directors do and the important role they play for our industry and our city . I also learned how important being involved in local politics and the legislation process can be . I learned how to help and assist our industry and clients avoid messy and costly policies and procedures that would have catastrophic affects . But most importantly , it ’ s where I discovered my myself and my confidence as a leader . A leader in San Antonio .
I was always told that San Antonio , although large in population , operated like a small town and to be effective , you better start making relationships . I took that message to heart . So I did , and for me , that has changed the game .
I ’ ve found , that when I approach something without selfish ambition or an intention to benefit myself , I ’ ve been rewarded . That is the approach I recommend you take . I would encourage you to change the way you may be looking at your involvement with the San Antonio Apartment Association . It ’ s not about you and what you can get out of it . It ’ s what you can give , not financially but with effort and consistency . If you approach your participation with an earnest effort and challenge yourself to be put in sometimes uncomfortable situations to meet people and network – the world may open to you . It did for me , and it will likely for you too .
18 JANUARY 2023 | www . saaaonline . org